JV EJERCITO EXPECTS NO MORE DELAYS IN MRT-7 PROJECT

Senator JV Ejercito said he expects there will be no more delays in the construction and completion of the MRT-7 project, a railway project that will connect Quezon City to Bulacan by 2019.

Ejercito said this in the Progress Briefing and Inspection of Build, Build, Build (BBB) program held this morning at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

"One of the culprits as to why we are in this transportation crisis is due to the low infrastructure spending in recent years. In the past, we only spent 2% of the GDP for infrastructure. But now as announced by DBM Secretary Benjamin Diokno, we will be spending 5% for this year, and in the coming years, we will be spending 6 to 7%. This is a very good sign for big ticket projects ahead, and that is why I am very expectant that there will be no longer any delays for the MRT-7 project," Ejercito, as Senate Committee Vice Chairman for Public Services and Public Works today said.

Ejercito also expressed his full support for the MRT-7 project.

"You have my 100% support for the completion of the MRT-7. After a very long delay, I am very glad that we are finally pursuing this project that will improve our transportation situation in Metro Manila. I have always emphasized that railway is the only way. With at least 20,000 to 30,000 new cars added on the road every month, we expect things will get worse before it gets better. We cannot just expect a miracle to happen," he explained.

He added, "I only ask for understanding from the public with the inconvenience this project will bring. The more important thing is that we have started to build the railways. I would like to thank and congratulate DOTr officials, especially to Secretary Art Tugade, for pushing for this project. Sa katunayan, hindi na po makapag-antay yung bulldozer, panay na ang trabaho. And that is a good sign that this will really go on without any more delays."

Ejercito said he is still hoping to pass the Transportation Crisis Act of 2016, a measure he filed which seeks to grant emergency powers to President Duterte that will ensure fast-tracked construction and completion of big ticket items in the coming years.

"We want projects such as MRT-7 not only to reduce the traffic congestion, but also to improve the quality of life here in Metro Manila. I think this is the battle cry for Metro Manila," he added.